Scanivalve

Founded in 1955 by JC Pemberton in Seattle, Washington, Scanivalve® is the global pioneer in multi-channel pressure and temperature measurement. The company’s origins lie in the development of a mechanical scanning valve that revolutionized wind tunnel data acquisition by multiplexing multiple pressure signals into a single transducer. As the authorised New Zealand partner, we provide local aerospace, automotive, and power generation facilities with direct access to these state-of-the-art intelligent instrumentation systems, which are essential for critical workflows in the Test and Measurement and industrial sectors across New Zealand.

Scanivalve engineering is defined by its evolution from mechanical multiplexing to high-speed, all-Ethernet electronic scanners. With over 1,500,000 channels delivered worldwide, their systems are the gold standard for high-accuracy, high-density measurement. We support these advanced technologies with factory-trained technical guidance and local support to ensure your facility maintains the highest standards of analytical integrity and technical precision in demanding environments such as wind tunnel and flight testing.

Technical Applications for Scanivalve in New Zealand

In New Zealand aerospace research and industrial aerodynamics, achieving high-fidelity, synchronous data from hundreds of pressure points is a primary technical requirement. The range of Miniature Analogue Pressure Scanners and digital sensor arrays provides the necessary resolution for complex flow analysis. For systems requiring liquid measurement in turbine or diesel engine testing, the Liquid Pressure Base facilitates "all-media" compatibility, allowing for accurate gauge or absolute pressure readings while managing media isolation and gas bubble purging.

To streamline data acquisition in space-constrained environments like wind tunnel models, the 8-Port Miniature Ethernet Switch (ES4008) allows multiple scanners to be connected through a single Gigabit uplink. This significantly reduces cabling complexity and setup time. By integrating these robust Ethernet Control Modules and Pneumatic Connectors and Tubing, we help New Zealand facilities achieve sub-microsecond time-stamping accuracy using IEEE1588v2 PTP protocols, ensuring scientific precision throughout the entire testing cycle.

Why Source Scanivalve from John Morris Group?

• Unrivalled Engineering Heritage: Over 65 years of innovation since the invention of the original scanning valve, providing the most trusted multi-channel instrumentation globally.
• High-Speed Synchronous Data: Systems like the DSA5000 utilize individual A/D converters per channel, allowing for fully synchronous data collection at rates up to 5000Hz.
• Intelligent Thermal Compensation: On-board processors and RAM store pressure-temperature matrices, delivering real-time engineering unit conversion and superior sensor stability.
• Miniature Footprint: Designed for installation inside wind tunnel models or on-vehicle, minimizing tubing lengths and reducing pneumatic lag in dynamic testing.
• Flexible Communications: Supports modern network protocols including Ethernet TCP/IP, UDP, FTP, and iDDS for seamless integration with existing data acquisition environments.

We back this world-leading range with over 70 years of local experience, providing Scanivalve customers with factory-trained support, ISO 9001 certified service, and dedicated application guidance through our New Zealand service centres.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary difference between mechanical and electronic pressure scanning?
Mechanical scanning uses a single transducer to sample many ports sequentially, which is cost-effective but slower. Electronic scanning (like the ZOC and MPS series) uses a sensor-per-channel architecture, allowing for much higher sampling rates and synchronous data collection across all ports.

How does the "Zero, Operate, and Calibrate" (ZOC) function improve accuracy?
ZOC modules incorporate internal valving that allows the system to automatically perform zero offset and span calibrations on-line. This compensates for sensor drift caused by temperature changes during a test, ensuring long-term measurement integrity without manual intervention.

Can Scanivalve instruments be used for liquid pressure measurement?
Yes, specific models like the DSA3200-PTP series are designed for "all-media" measurement. These utilize stainless steel diaphragms to isolate the sensors from liquids such as fuel, oil, or water, making them ideal for marine or turbomachinery testing.

What is the benefit of the ES4008 miniature Ethernet switch?
The ES4008 is an unmanaged switch designed to fit inside small wind tunnel models. It allows up to eight Ethernet scanners to be networked locally, requiring only a single uplink cable to pass through the critical, space-constrained "sting" of the model to the host computer.

Does Scanivalve support time-synchronization across multiple modules?
Yes, most modern modules are IEEE1588-2008v2 PTP (Precision Time Protocol) compliant. This allows for sub-microsecond time-stamping of data across an entire Ethernet network, eliminating the need for complex external trigger wiring.

What kind of pneumatic connectors and tubing are available?
Scanivalve offers a comprehensive range of circular and rectangular quick-disconnect connectors, manifolds, and plastic tubing (0.031" to 0.125" OD). These are designed for leak-tight performance and high-density port management in complex test articles.

Where can I receive local technical support for Scanivalve in New Zealand?
John Morris Group provides full local support, including installation, preventative maintenance, and repair services across New Zealand. Our factory-trained specialists ensure your high-precision scanners are maintained to original manufacturer specifications.